It’s fascinating to consider how, in our increasingly connected world, the very fabric of democracy hinges not just on the grand institutions we’ve built – the parliaments, the courts, the electoral systems – but also on something far more personal and intrinsic: the ability of each individual citizen to cut through the noise, to discern truth from manipulation. President Maia Sandu of Moldova recently articulated this profound truth at a Council of Europe conference in Chisinau, painting a stark picture of what she calls “cognitive war.” This isn’t a war of bombs and bullets in the traditional sense, but a…

It’s a universal truth that when we’re facing tough times, especially when it comes to our health, we often look for answers. In today’s digital world, that search frequently begins online, and for many young people, it’s social media platforms that serve as their first port of call. Imagine being a teenager, feeling confused and perhaps a little scared about how your mind works, and turning to an app like TikTok for understanding. It feels natural, doesn’t it? These platforms are vibrant, accessible, and overflowing with content, offering a sense of community and shared experience. However, a recent, rather stark…